Man charged with string of Harrogate burglariesNew figures reveal how few burglaries in North Yorkshire lead to chargesPolice warn of spate of sneak-in burglaries in Ripon

People living in the Harrogate district, particularly in Ripon, have been urged to keep doors and ground floor windows locked following a spate of sneak-in burglaries.

A message on North Yorkshire Community Messaging said three incidents had been reported in Ripon over the last few days.

A sneak-in burglary occurs when a door or window has not been locked and an offender chances their luck by trying handles or windows to gain entry.

If they find something to be unlocked, they sneak in and steal items.

Alison Swan, of North Yorkshire Police, said:

“Please be sure to secure doors and ground floor windows particularly at night, also consider locking doors during the day especially if you are in rear gardens where you are not able to monitor your front door.”

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Four men jailed for Harrogate district burglary spree

Four men have been jailed for a spate of burglaries across the Harrogate district, which included the theft of thousands of pounds worth of cars and a motorbike.

Chaz England, Nathan Lofthouse, Bailey Townend and Ainsley West were sentenced at York Crown Court yesterday.

England, 32, of Harrogate, Lofthouse, 20, of Harrogate, Townend, 19, of Ripon and West, formerly of Harrogate, appeared via video link from custody in Hull.

They admitted to the burglaries, which took place between December 2019 and August 2021.

Prosecutor Michael Cahill told the court that the crimes were sophisticated and planned.

Mr Cahill told the court how Townend, who was charged with two counts of burglaries, three thefts of motor vehicles and possession of cannabis, had stolen two cars in Knaresborough at a value of £15,000.

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Townend, 19, stole the Skoda and Mercedes from Bransdale Grove, along with a handbag containing a £20 note.

He went onto commit a similar offence on South Park Road in Harrogate in August last year, in which he stole a “rare motorbike” worth £11,000.

Mr Cahill told the court that Lofthouse, 20, burgled a property on Bogs Lane in Harrogate on December 22, 2019.

He stole a laptop bag, which did not include a computer but had sensitive NHS information, and two coats. Lofthouse also attempted to steal a Jaguar worth more than £10,000.

The court heard how England, 22, broke into a home on Stonefall Avenue, Harrogate, on Boxing Day 2019 to steal an iPhone7 worth £200, £800 in cash, five watches, a £300 chainsaw and two handbags.

England also stole a Ford transit van, which was later found abandoned with a flat tyre by police.

Stun gun

England was also convicted of possessing a stun gun, which is a prohibited weapon, and possession of cannabis following a search of his home.

Mr Cahill told the court that on August 2, 2020, West, 20, stole the number plates from a Fiat Punto at a property in Leeds before later using them on another vehicle from Knaresborough.

He was also convicted of attempting to steal a handbag, which included a police warrant card, and wallet from a property in York.

Mitigating for Townend, Shafqat Khan told the court that he had been remanded in custody since August 2021 and had “demonstrated maturity” while in custody.

The court also heard that Lofthouse had shown maturity while on remand. Ian Hudson, defending Lofthouse, said he had gained employment and “hoped to build on that”.

Didn’t get chance to say goodbye to children

Christopher Dunn, mitigating for England, told York Crown Court that he wanted to get on the “straight and narrow”.

He said:

“It indicates a maturity that he did not have before he went on this ridiculous spree.”

Ashleigh Metcalfe, defending for West, told the court that he was the first to enter his plea which afforded him “some credit”.

She added that West had two children who he did not get the chance to say goodbye to when he was remanded in custody.

She said:

“He knows that association with other individuals is not good for him.”

The defence for all defendants suggested community orders and suspended sentences as punishment.

However, sentencing the four men, Judge Morris said:

“I regard these offences as too serious to suspend as sentences.”

Townend was sentenced to four years and three months. Lofthouse was jailed for 17 months and England for 28 months.

West was jailed for four years and seven months.

Five arrests amid ‘sharp rise’ in Harrogate burglaries

Police have arrested five people, including a 12-year-old boy, in connection with a spate of burglaries in Harrogate.

North Yorkshire Police revealed how officers have seen a sharp rise in burglaries in the town. The force said many of the properties targeted were insecure.

Officers believe the incidents are linked and have arrested a 12-year-old boy, two 15-year-old boys, a 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old woman in the last four days.

Since the start of the year there have been burglaries on Butterbur Way, Hartwith Drive, Gentian Glade, Saltergate Drive, Woodfield Road, Pennywort Grove, Tewit Well Road, Kenilworth Avenue, Strawberry Dale Avenue, Carlton Road, West End Avenue, St Anthans Walks and Hutton Gate.

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Police released the above list in the hope that anyone with information or CCTV footage will come forward. Anyone who can help with the investigation should quote reference 12220008323.

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:

“Before you go to bed tonight, please take a few minutes to secure doors and windows to your property, including garages, sheds and outbuildings.

“Also remove all valuables from your car or van and lock it. Move keys away from the door and windows where they can be seen and potentially accessed.

“If possible, secure your vehicles in a garage or behind a gate.”

Six arrests after spate of burglaries in Harrogate

Police have made six arrests after a spate of overnight burglaries in Harrogate.

Thieves broke into four homes in the Rossett, Oatlands, High Harrogate and Pannal Ash areas in the last week alone.

Homeowners reported that jewellery, cash and electronic devices had all been stolen.

North Yorkshire Police arrested six men aged in their 20s to their 50s. The police released them all under investigation.

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As a result of the burglaries the police have warned residents to be vigilant in the run up to Christmas.

Detective Sergeant Tom Barker, from Harrogate’s proactive team, said:

“It’s a common trend that during the lead up to Christmas we have a spate in burglaries.

“As a result, we have a dedicated team of officers out in the areas we know that are being targeted.”

The force has put out advice asking people to lock doors and windows, leave a light on when heading out and never leave valuables on show.

Police appeal after spate of Harrogate burglaries

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses after a spate of house burglaries in the Harrogate area in recent days.

The incidents occurred on Beckwith Road, Grove Street, Hutton Gate, Chatsworth Place and St John’s Road from Tuesday to Friday.

Burglars entered the homes through insecure doors and took car keys, house keys, a wallet and a handbag, which were within easy reach,

A North Yorkshire Police statement said:

“We are requesting the public’s assistance to help establish the full circumstances surrounding the incidents, including details about youths who have reportedly been going door-to-door trying for any insecure premises.

“If you have seen any suspicious vehicles or persons please contact the police.”

Police have urged people to keep their houses secure at night.

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Anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Elizabeth Estensen . You can also email elizabethestensen@northyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12200162246.